Some time ago, we reported on a Route 66 revitalization program in Arizona concerning abandoned properties that once contained underground fuel tanks. There was some concerns by Route 66 aficionados that the bureaucrats would run roughshod.
My concerns have been allayed somewhat by this report by the Holbrook Tribune-News. The public hearings had a lot of input from the Route 66 community, including the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program and the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona.
One of those resources is the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program.
“We help identify the most significant resources and develop plans for them,” explained Cultural Resource Specialist Kaisa Barthuli.
According to Barthuli, the program can provide grant funding, technical assistance and community outreach assistance.
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Tom Spear of the Route 66 Association of Arizona explained Route 66 has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.
“This opens up the opportunity for funding on a national level,” he said. “So far, Arizona has not gotten any of those funds.”
According to Spear, his association has been working to establish a grant coordinator who will be located in Flagstaff.
“This person will help you access the grants that are available,” he remarked.
Spear also explained that his group is working to have the Arizona portion of Route 66 designated as an All American Highway.
“If we can get just a few more states on board then it can be designated an All American Road, and that opens up opportunities for promotion,” Spear said. “I don’t think anyone in this room doubts the power of Route 66 when it comes to attracting tourists.”
With the apparent involvement of the Route 66 community, I’m reasonably confident the program will be more of an asset than a boondoggle.